Welcome back to Day Drinking on Delmarva. In this episode, Todd returns from a month-long hiatus in Florida while Tony shares major career updates and a deep dive into the business of death care.

Episode Summary

The “Snowbird” Life

Todd shares his experience spending a month in the Florida Keys, specifically Key Largo and Islamorada. After surviving a brutal cold snap on Delmarva, Todd spent two weeks relaxing by a canal-side pool. He notes the unique perspective of getting a “summer” experience in February, something local beach business owners rarely enjoy during their own peak season.

Career Pivots and Substack

Tony reveals he has quit his job to become his own publisher. He has moved his focus to Substack, launching a podcast series on the Ocean City Film Festival and a new niche industry project called On Deathcare. Tony discusses the early success of these newsletters, noting high open rates and the unique community growing within the death care space.

The Business of Death

The duo explores the “final act” of life through a capitalist lens. Tony shares insights from a recent survey by a death care lawyer:

* Cremation Trends: While most people choose cremation, it is often their “second choice,” primarily driven by cost.

* Alternative Methods: They discuss “aquamation” (alkaline hydrolysis), which is often restricted by protectionist laws in the funeral industry.

* Gen Z Preferences: Interestingly, younger generations express interest in traditional state-style funerals and open caskets but are often resistant to embalming—a combination that presents significant logistical “unpleasantness.”

The Digital “Condemned Building”

They share a mutual exhaustion with Facebook, which Tony compares to trying to find a place for new graffiti in a filthy, condemned building. Both hosts emphasize moving their energy toward platforms like Substack and Beehiiv for more authentic connection and better business sustainability.

Upcoming Delmarva Events

* Ocean City Film Festival: Celebrating its 10th anniversary.

* Oceans Calling: Tickets are on sale for the massive beach concert featuring a newly released artist lineup.

* St. Patrick’s Day: The Ocean City parade and Dewey Beach opening weekends (including the Starboard) are just around the corner.

* Freeman Arts Pavilion: New stage construction is underway with a long-format video project in the works.

Todd and Tony explore the evolution of content creation, the purpose behind Good Clean Fun Life, and the importance of marketing strategies that focus on what Todd calls the “Three Es.” Tony shares his career transition and future plans, emphasizing the importance of writing and community involvement.

In this episode, Todd and Tony discuss the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Ocean City Film Festival, featuring a planned appearance by Patton Oswalt and a retrospective on the event's growth from a grassroots project to a prestigious regional festival.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION

Todd shares reflections on his recent trip to the Poconos and his 15-year career documenting life at the beach, while Tony outlines his new investigative research into the intersection of burial traditions, law, and environmental concerns.

The hosts also check in on their "Damp January" progress and a potential comedy sketch regarding the realities of life in your 50s.